The Papal Conclave: A Sacred Tradition to Choose the Next Pope After Francis’ Passing
The world is mourning the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and reform. As the Catholic Church navigates this moment of transition, all eyes turn to the Vatican, where the centuries-old tradition of the papal conclave will soon unfold to select the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. This secretive, sacred process, steeped in history and ritual, is set to begin 15 to 20 days after the pontiff’s death, captivating global audiences with its blend of mystery and faith. Let’s dive into what the conclave entails, why it matters, and what to expect in this pivotal moment for the Church.
Following Pope Francis’ funeral, expected within four to six days, and a nine-day mourning period known as novemdiales, the College of Cardinals will convene in the Sistine Chapel. This gathering, called a conclave (from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key”), is a tightly controlled event where cardinals under 80—currently 138, though 14 will age out by the end of 2025—vote to elect the new pope. The process, governed by rules established in 1274 and refined by Pope John Paul II’s 1996 constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, ensures secrecy and independence, with no phones, internet, or outside contact allowed. The Sistine Chapel is even swept for surveillance devices to protect the sanctity of the vote.
The conclave begins with a special Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, invoking the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Cardinals then take an oath of secrecy before the cry of “Extra omnes” (“everyone out”) signals the locking of the doors. Voting occurs in rounds—up to four daily—until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority. Each ballot is burned, producing black smoke (fumata nera) if no pope is chosen or white smoke (fumata bianca) when a new pope is elected, a signal eagerly watched by crowds in St. Peter’s Square. Historically, modern conclaves are swift, averaging 2-5 days, with the 2013 conclave electing Francis in just two days. However, the longest conclave, from 1268 to 1271, lasted nearly three years, a delay that prompted the sequestration rules still in place today.
This conclave is historic, with a record 139 cardinal electors, 110 appointed by Francis, reflecting his vision of a diverse, global Church. Potential candidates, or papabili, include Ghana’s Peter Turkson, the Philippines’ Luis Tagle, and Italy’s Matteo Zuppi, hinting at the possibility of a non-European pope. The outcome could shape the Church’s future on issues like climate change, inclusivity, and social justice—topics trending globally as the world watches.
Once elected, the new pope chooses a papal name and appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, greeted by the words “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”). As the Vatican prepares for this sacred moment, the conclave remains a powerful symbol of faith, unity, and continuity, captivating believers and curious minds alike.
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